After losing two matches to their biggest rivals last season, NWU will be looking for revenge when they visit UP-Tuks in the biggest match of Round Five.
Both teams are in top form in this year’s competition with NWU topping the log with 10 points followed by UP-Tuks on nine points.
Top spot will be up for grabs when the two big guns battle it out in Pretoria. Last season Tuks got the better of their rivals by recording two 1-0 victories home and away and the Pretoria-based side also had the last laugh as they walked away with the title.
But the Mafikeng-based outfit are out to stop the defending champions in their tracks in the second edition of the tournament.
Things have changed since their two meetings last season. Tuks have a new look team and North West have a new technical team. Amos Xabanisa has replaced former Mamelodi Sundowns legend Augustine “Mthakathi” Makalakalane as the new coach.
Xabanisa, who has been involved in women’s coaching at the University, has got off to the best possible start in his new role with the men’s Varsity team. They are unbeaten in four matches and have found the back of the net 12 times.
But their biggest test is without a doubt the encounter against UP-Tuks. Xabanisa has assembled a free scoring squad that is capable of giving anyone a hiding on their day.
Xabanisa said: “We have a great team and are determined to win the tournament.”
“I won’t sit here and lie and say that we are here just to get better because our ultimate goal is to win the competition. Winning the competition is on top of our priority there is no doubt about that.”
It’s an even a harder tournament than it was last year as the likes of UJ and Kovsies are emerging as the surprise packages. The Madibaz are a shadow of a team that they were last season. They are huffing and puffing in the competition.
UP-Tuks star striker Botshelo Mfulwane, who notched two goals in his side’s 5-1 demolition of Limpopo, said his side is peaking at the right time. The lanky forward is not scared of the free-scoring NWU, who thumped UWC 6-0 in their fortress in the fourth round.
Mfulwane said: “We can’t wait for them (NWU) we also have a great team and we are not scared of anyone.
“We are confident that we can defend our title. The coach told us to believe in ourselves.”
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports Writer
